What is the history of the political terms "right wing" and "left wing"?

The terms “left wing” and “right wing” originate from the seating arrangement in the French National Assembly after the French Revolution of 1789.

1789 context: In the early assemblies, deputies divided physically according to their political leanings. Those who supported the revolution’s radical changes — limiting the king’s power, secular reforms, and broader suffrage — sat on the left of the president’s chair. Those who supported the monarchy, the Church, and a more hierarchical order sat on the right.

Early 19th century: The terms became shorthand across Europe for progressives (left) and conservatives (right).

Late 19th–20th century: The left increasingly associated with socialism, labour movements, and redistribution. The right tied to conservatism, nationalism, and defense of traditional institutions.

Post–World War II: The Cold War sharpened the left/right divide — communism and social democracy vs. capitalism and liberal democracy.

Contemporary usage: Still rooted in that original dichotomy, though blurred. “Left wing” today can mean egalitarian, progressive, or collectivist politics. “Right wing” often means pro-market, conservative, or nationalist positions.

So the distinction is not arbitrary — it’s literally about where politicians sat in 1789 France, which then crystallised into a durable metaphor for political orientation.